Ireland

At a Glance

Capital

Language

Population

GDP Total

GDP Per Capita

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Ireland. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Ireland may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

Attend business meetings

Attend conferences or tradeshows

Develop professional business contacts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Ireland?

European Union, Canadian, US and other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Ireland to conduct business activities and are eligible for a visa waiver. If your nationality is not on Ireland’s list of visa-waivered nationals, you are required to obtain a Short Stay “C” Visa before travel from an Irish Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.

The Short Stay-Visa Waiver program allows select nationals, holding Short Stay “C” UK Visas, to enter Ireland for business without needing to obtain an additional Irish Visa. Both visa-waivered nationals and those who require a visa cannot spend more than 90 days in Ireland within a calendar year.

Working in Ireland

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Irish law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Ireland, even if conducted for a short duration.

Hands-on technical work

Repairs and maintenance

Project planning and implementation

Marketing

If I am traveling to Ireland for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The type of work permit required depends on your qualifications, salary, whether your employer has an entity in Ireland, and the nature and duration of your work. The most common Irish work permits are:

Nationals from the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not require a work permit to work in Ireland. Registrations or other formalities may be required before these nationals can work or reside in Ireland.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.